How to Find Out the Best Way to Soundproof Your Walls

There are lots of reasons why you might want to soundproof your walls. Maybe you live close to a busy road or have disruptive neighbours. You might even want to improve your internal walls if a member of your household is particularly noisy.

There are several different ways to soundproof your walls. It’s important that you know about all your different options, so you can pick a method that’s right for you.

Keep reading to find out the best way to soundproof your walls.

Option 1: Add products to your existing walls

If you want to soundproof your walls with the minimum amount of hassle, you can simply add soundproofing products to them.

One of the simplest and easiest options is to remove your plasterboard and replace it with acoustic plasterboard – ideally two layers. This won’t work miracles but it will reduce the amount of sound travelling through your walls. To make this option more effective, try fitting an additional soundproofing membrane between the two layers of plasterboard.

You can also soundproof your walls by removing your plasterboard and attaching insulating panels. These are usually made of rubber and are stuck on using adhesive. Then cover these with acoustic plasterboard – again, two layers are best.

The main advantages of these methods are that they are fairly quick to install and take up the least amount of space in your home.

Option 2: Build a stud wall

Other ways to soundproof your walls include building a stud wall. The most basic way to do this is to build a stud wall in front of your existing wall and cover it with acoustic plasterboard. The cavities in the stud wall should be filled with acoustic mineral wool or foam to reduce the amount of sound they let through.

You can make this method even more effective by fitting some kind or resilient bar or clip between the stud wall and plasterboard, which insulates your wall still further. You can also fit an additional acoustic membrane between multiple layers of plasterboard.

Many homeowners find that building a stud wall is the most effective way to reduce the amount of noise getting into their home. However, this method can be pretty disruptive and can dramatically reduce your living space.

How do I know which soundproofing method to use?

It can be pretty difficult to work out which soundproofing method is best for you straight off the bat. The ideal option depends on the type of walls you have and the size and age of your property. It also depends on the type of noise that’s bothering you – lighter materials are better at blocking out high-frequency sounds and denser materials are better for lower noises.

The best thing to do is to ask a soundproofing professional to take a look at your home. They’ll be able to give you specialist advice on the best way to soundproof your property. Even if you’d prefer to DIY, it’s a good idea to consult a professional so you don’t waste time and effort.

If you’re struggling to find a soundproofing professional in your area, we can help. Click ‘Start my project’, complete our online form and we’ll connect you with up to 4 contractors in your area.